Atmosphere and Air Temp. Vocabulary Insolation – the amount of the Sun’s energy that reaches the Earth at any given time Atmosphere – the blanket of gases that surrounds Earth Troposphere – the layer of the atmosphere closest to Earth’s surface Air pressure – the force put on a given area by the weight of the air above it Weather – what the lower atmosphere is like at any given place and time Barometer – a device for measuring air pressure

Atmosphere and Air Temperature The hottest parts of Earth are the areas near the equator, while the coldest areas are around the North and South Poles. Combining the words “incoming,” “solar” and “radiation” forms the term insolation. The greater the angle of insolation, the warmer a place will be. The angle of insolation at different times of the day changes the length of shadows. In the same light, dark colored materials get hotter than light colored materials. A rough surface gets warmer than a smooth surface because it absorbs more energy.

Atmosphere and Air Temperature The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere. As you go higher in altitude, air pressure falls (decreases). Normal air pressure is greatest at sea level. 99% of the air we breathe is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen. Air also contains water vapor and dust particles. “Weather” really describes what conditions are like in the troposphere at any given time and place.